A heartfelt reflection on earning a Master's in Interaction Design from CSU East Bay, celebrating personal growth, resilience, and the meaningful support of family and friends throughout the transformative journey.
Her Story
About Navya
What inspired me to get into my field was during my bachelor's in engineering. Engineering is something that I really wanted, but sooner or later, I realized that coding is not something I really want to do, and sit in front of my laptop for hours and hours and just code, and then get nothing out of it. That's when I started exploring things around me, started thinking how users would interact with this product, or XYZ product. And that's how I found my interest in designing and making products that are useful and easier for the users to use. I completed my Bachelor's in Computer Science back in my home country, India, with advanced design training. After my bachelor's, I ran my own home bakery for 2 years, and that experience gave me a strong sense of ownership and accountability that I bring into my UX work today. I then started my Master's in Interaction Design in the United States. My most notable professional achievement so far is just doing my best in my work. All I hear from my feedback is that I'm doing my best in my field. The best thing is that I'm always open to feedbacks that I get. I think that is the most achieved part of my life, that I am doing my best, no matter if it's a bad day or a good day, I'll just keep doing my best.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Navya
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my mom. She's the one who always supported me, and she still supports me till date.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice that I've received so far is just being transparent when you're communicating with the other person, and also being respectful to the other person's choices and decisions, and not kind of forcing your own decision. When you're transparent with your communication, and communicating respectfully and with a lot of confidence, I think that is something that I got when I was starting my career, and I'm still using that advice, and I'm achieving a lot.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
One advice that I would give is just take that one step. You know, there's always something that is pushing you to not take that step, but one advice that I would give is move out of your comfort zone and do it no matter you fail or you win. That is not in your hands, but at least give a try to whatever you want to do in your life, whatever your dreams are.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges that I've faced as being an introvert is that it sometimes becomes really difficult to communicate and take a step out of your comfort zone. As for opportunities in my field, there are many opportunities. It can be working as a visual designer, working as a UI UX designer, and it could also be freelancing, which is a good opportunity. There's opportunity for growth and all of that.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Some of the values that are most important to me are, first, honesty and respectfulness towards your work, whether it's your relationships or personal matter. Just being respectful and honest. Second would be just being proactive and inspired for what you're doing, showing your determination towards your work.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Navya
The Tassel Was Worth the Hassle 🎓
Celebrating a Master's Degree and a Journey of Growth, Resilience, and Self-Discovery
🎓✨ I'm proud to share that I've graduated with a Master's in Interaction Design and Interactive Art from California State University, East Bay! ✨🎓
Looking back, this journey has been about so much more than earning a degree. It has been a season of growth, resilience, learning, and self-discovery.
Two years ago, I wasn't sure I could do it. The road ahead felt uncertain and challenging, but every obstacle became an opportunity to learn, adapt, and believe in myself a little more.
From late nights spent prototyping and refining ideas to countless iterations, presentations, and collaborative projects, every experience helped shape me into a stronger designer, thinker, and problem-solver. This program taught me to embrace curiosity, trust the design process, and create experiences that connect people in meaningful ways.
While my parents couldn't be here in person to celebrate this milestone, their sacrifices, unwavering support, and belief in me made this achievement possible. This accomplishment belongs to them as much as it does to me, and I hope this moment makes them proud.
I'm also incredibly grateful to the friends and family who joined me to celebrate this special day. Your presence, encouragement, and support made this milestone even more meaningful, and I will always cherish those memories.
As I begin this next chapter, I look forward to continuing to learn, collaborate, and design experiences that create meaningful impact. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Your support, guidance, and encouragement have meant more than words can express.
Here's to new beginnings, new opportunities, and the exciting road ahead. 🚀
#CSUEastBay #MastersDegree #InteractionDesign #InteractiveArt #UXDesign #HCI #Graduation #NewBeginnings
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